LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Melbourne Storm has initiated a groundbreaking partnership with European rugby giant Leinster, launching an innovative player development exchange.
This collaboration welcomes two Irish academy prospects, hooker Stephen Smyth and utility back Ruben Moloney, who recently transitioned from Ireland's rainy climate to Melbourne's winter.
They are now entrenched in various aspects of Storm's operations, participating in NRL, Jersey Flegg, and Academy systems at AAMI Park.
The exchange is part of a reciprocal program aimed at fostering cross-code learning and strengthening ties between rugby league and union.
In a forthcoming collaboration, Melbourne will send two of their academy players to Leinster, allowing them to experience one of the top professional rugby organizations globally.
Smyth and Maloney's involvement goes beyond mere observation; they are fully engaged in every facet of the Storm's system, including gym workouts, field training, team meetings, and recovery protocols.